Reviews
Wolfenstein
Wolfenstein: The New Order is the ninth game of the Wolfenstein series and the first one since more than two decades. Machine Games promise a notable revival of the longstanding series with The New Order, an alternate history where the Nazis have emerged victorious from World War II. Despite being a first-person shooter game, The New Order is single-player-only but that shouldn’t be disappointing in any way, since the narrative will have a huge impact in the gameplay. If you don’t know why you should play this game, then here are the top five reasons that make this game absolutely worth playing.
1. Your Weapon, Your Way: Unlimited Weapon Variety
Weapon issues won’t be part of The New Order. Players will have access to a non-limited weapon inventory, as well as a dual wielding ability. Some armaments will have special utilities, such as hidden sharping tools, which will enhance and invigorate the combat encounters. Environmental weapons like turrets will be able to be pulled from their stationary position and carried around to defeat enemies. Finally, as players progress through the narrative, they’ll be capable of unveiling Nazi secrets and take control of “super weapons that have been used to dominate Earth and beyond”, as Bethesda stated.
2. Fast Paced Non-Linear Mode: Always On the Move
You can play as a more stealthy game and the game plays differently. (…) You start to unlock special abilities, the more you do this then you learn new ways to do stealth take downs. It does allow some variety; it’s not just a one note linear thing. (Pete Hines, Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing, April 16, 2014)
MachineGames has designed The New Order to impose a fast paced non-linear mode, where players can choose their tactical skills and strategic approaches. There are four different skill trees: stealth, tactical, assault and demolitions. Which means the game can end up being very different depending on players’ combat choices. Players can also move freely and naturally with the advanced maneuver system – sprints, lean around and under cover. Furthermore, the whole system forces you to keep moving and never look back. It’s crucial that you accomplish your mission. There’s no time to waste.
3. Intriguing Alternate History: It Could Have Happened
Europe, 1960. The war is over. And the Nazis are triumphant victors. Using unrelenting force and brutal intimidation, the Nazis have brought even the most powerful nations to their knees. The Nazi regime now rules the globe with an iron fist. (MachineGames & Bethesda Softworks, April 16, 2014)
The New Order is set in 1960 but contrasting our historic events, the Third Reich won World War II. Therefore, the world became quite different from what we know – it’s an alternate history that could have happened. Players will assume the role of American war hero B.J. Blazkowicz and face a world filled with oppression, tyranny and insanity. In order to restore freedom and democracy, gamers are tasked with an impossible counter-offensive mission against the Nazi forces. Exploring a world controlled by the Third Reich is one of the key features in The New Order. If you ever wondered how the world would look like in case of a Nazi domination, then here’s your chance to find out.
4. Interactive World: Environments Won’t Be Just About Aesthetics
The more you discover of Wolfenstein’s levels, the more you’ll find that developer MachineGames seems to be going all-out to build an expansive, fully-featured world around its shooting. (Gamesradar, March 7, 2014)
Environment interaction will be done at multiple levels in the upcoming game of Wolfenstein. There are countless secrets to be unveiled in The New Order and most of them rely on some sort of environmental objects. For example, certain paintings and sculptures can open secret passages. Additionally, the overall environment will be semi-destructible, allowing players to destroy objects, blow up places and unleashing hell upon their Nazi enemies.
5. Alternative Health System: Healing is More Realistic
First, let’s talk about the game’s health system. Unlike 2009’s Wolfenstein, The New Order returns the series back to its roots with health and armor pickups. (Gamefront, August 31, 2013)
The health system in The New Order will be more realistic and challenging. Unlike it happens in most first-person shooter games, players’ health will be divided in separate regenerative sections. Once a section has been entirely depleted it won’t regenerate back until players use a health pack. Just as in real life, if you are wounded and bleeding, the only way to get better is to take care of your injuries. On the other hand, if you are careful enough, the segments will recover naturally. This dynamic feature will deeply influence the combat system since players must always consider their health sectors before engaging enemy forces.
